General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Thomas Franks, the Clintons and "phony" Democratic populists in the New Gilded Age [View all]cheapdate
(3,811 posts)Relentless reinforcement through repetition is an important part of the right's formula for success. It works. Over time, it reshapes how the brain conceptualizes ideas like "freedom", "fairness", "the public good", etc.
The spread of right-wing ideology has been facilitated by a intensely focused, well-organized, well-funded, well-connected, cabal of hard-core right-wing ideologues. Over the past 30 or so years they built a well-connected messaging machine fully integrated with a network of so-called pseudo-intellectual "think-tanks" and pseudo-academic, ideological colleges and universities. Their messaging machine is professional, well-connected, and knowledgeable in the art and science of influencing belief. They shape the narratives, frame the terms of the debates, and methodically and deliberately reshape how the brains of millions of Americans embody and conceptualize basic ideas such as morality, virtue, civic values, government, etc.
I'm not trying to get you to accept the idea that Democrats are flailing about helpless. I'm trying to get you to recognize the size and depth of the challenge.